Dog Breeds - Tornjak

Breed Attributes & Qualities

CARING WITH FAMILY + Independent Lovey-Dovey
The level of affection a breed demonstrates towards family members or familiar individuals can vary greatly. Certain breeds may exhibit a reserved demeanor, showing warmth primarily to their owner while others embrace anyone they're familiar with as if they're a long-lost friend.
LOVE WITH CHILDREN + Unwise Good With Children
The degree to which a breed is tolerant and patient with children's behavior, as well as its inherent family-friendly characteristics can differ notably among breeds. Regardless of a breed's general temperament, it's crucial to supervise interactions between dogs and young children, or children of any age who are not accustomed to dogs to ensure the safety and comfort of both the child and the pet.
BEHAVIOR WITH DOGS + Unwise Good With Other Dogs
A breed's innate sociability with other dogs can range significantly. While supervision during dog interactions and introductions is always necessary some breeds naturally tend towards being more convivial and are predisposed to get along with other canines, whether in the household or social settings.

SHEDDING LEVELS & MANAGEMENT No Shedding Hair Everywhere +
The amount of fur and hair a breed will shed varies widely. Breeds that are known to shed extensively will require more frequent grooming sessions including brushing and they might be more prone to triggering allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Additionally, homes with high-shedding breeds often necessitate more diligent cleaning routines, such as regular vacuuming and the frequent use of lint rollers to manage the accumulation of pet hair.
COAT GROOMING STANDARDS Monthly Daily +
The grooming demands of a breed, including the need for bathing, brushing, trimming, or other forms of coat care, can differ significantly. When evaluating the level of grooming a breed needs it's important to consider the amount of time, patience and financial resources you have available for this aspect of care.
DROOLING INTENSITY Less Likely to Drool Always Have a Towel +
The propensity for drooling can vary widely among dog breeds. If you place a high value on cleanliness and order, opting for a breed known for being less drool-prone might be preferable. Some dogs are known to leave substantial traces of slobber, which could include long, stringy saliva on your arms or large moist patches on your clothing.
COAT TYPE +
Double
COAT LENGTH +
Medium

FRIENDLINESS Reserved Everyone Is My Best Friend +
The level of a breed's hospitability towards strangers can vary considerably. While some breeds may naturally exhibit a reserved or cautious temperament around unfamiliar people regardless of the setting, others might display boundless enthusiasm at the prospect of meeting someone new. It's important to consider whether you prefer a vigilant breed that serves as a capable watchdog or a sociable pooch that eagerly greets every new person as a potential friend.
LIVELINESS Only When You Want To Play Non-Stop +
The zest for play that a breed exhibits can persist well beyond their puppy years, with some breeds retaining a high level of enthusiasm for activities like tug-of-war and fetch throughout their adult lives. On the opposite end some breeds may prefer a more sedentary lifestyle content with relaxing on the couch for the majority of the time.
VIGILANCE INTENSITY What's Mine Is Yours Vigilant +
Some breeds are more naturally inclined to alert their owners about the presence of strangers, responding enthusiastically to anything they perceive as a potential threat, which might include everyday occurrences such as the arrival of the mailman or a squirrel scampering past the window. These breeds often maintain a vigilant approach until they recognize that a newcomer is welcomed into the home by their family, at which point they typically become more amenable to the guest. This watchful nature is a trait that can be valued for those seeking a more protective companion.
ADAPTATION CAPACITY Lives For Routine Highly Adaptable +
A breed's adaptability to change encompassing fluctuations in living conditions, noise levels, climate, daily routines and other variances in everyday life, can differ greatly.

OBEDIENCE LEVEL Self-Willed Eager to Please +
The simplicity of training your canine companion and their eagerness to embrace new skills can vary widely. Certain breeds yearn to delight their guardians while some have a penchant for following their whims whenever and wherever they choose.
STAMINA LEVEL Couch Potato High Energy +
The breed of your dog can greatly determine their exercise and mental engagement requirements. High-energy breeds are constantly on the move seeking out their next escapade—expect them to be incessantly active, enjoying their days with sprints, leaps and playful antics. Meanwhile, low-energy breeds are content being your lounging companions perfectly satisfied to relax and doze off for hours on end.
VOCALIZATION Only To Alert Very Vocal +
The frequency and manner in which a breed vocalizes, ranging from barks to howls, can significantly vary. Certain breeds tend to announce every individual walking by or each bird that crosses their gaze, while others save their voices for specific circumstances. Even among breeds known for not barking, you might find them communicating through an assortment of different sounds.
LEARNING CURIOSITY LEVEL Loaf Needs an Activity +
A breed's need for mental engagement is pivotal to maintaining its happiness and health. Dogs bred for specific tasks thrive on challenges that test their judgment, problem-solving abilities and focus. Denying them the cerebral workout they crave may lead them to invent their own activities, which often aren't aligned with an owner's approval.

COLORS

PATTERNS

CARING WITH FAMILY

Independent

Lovey-Dovey

The level of affection a breed demonstrates towards family members or familiar individuals can vary greatly. Certain breeds may exhibit a reserved demeanor, showing warmth primarily to their owner while others embrace anyone they're familiar with as if they're a long-lost friend.

LOVE WITH CHILDREN

Unwise

Good With Children

The degree to which a breed is tolerant and patient with children's behavior, as well as its inherent family-friendly characteristics can differ notably among breeds. Regardless of a breed's general temperament, it's crucial to supervise interactions between dogs and young children, or children of any age who are not accustomed to dogs to ensure the safety and comfort of both the child and the pet.

BEHAVIOR WITH DOGS

Unwise

Good With Other Dogs

A breed's innate sociability with other dogs can range significantly. While supervision during dog interactions and introductions is always necessary some breeds naturally tend towards being more convivial and are predisposed to get along with other canines, whether in the household or social settings.

SHEDDING LEVELS & MANAGEMENT

No Shedding

Hair Everywhere

The amount of fur and hair a breed will shed varies widely. Breeds that are known to shed extensively will require more frequent grooming sessions including brushing and they might be more prone to triggering allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Additionally, homes with high-shedding breeds often necessitate more diligent cleaning routines, such as regular vacuuming and the frequent use of lint rollers to manage the accumulation of pet hair.

COAT GROOMING STANDARDS

Monthly

Daily

The grooming demands of a breed, including the need for bathing, brushing, trimming, or other forms of coat care, can differ significantly. When evaluating the level of grooming a breed needs it's important to consider the amount of time, patience and financial resources you have available for this aspect of care.

DROOLING INTENSITY

Less Likely to Drool

Always Have a Towel

The propensity for drooling can vary widely among dog breeds. If you place a high value on cleanliness and order, opting for a breed known for being less drool-prone might be preferable. Some dogs are known to leave substantial traces of slobber, which could include long, stringy saliva on your arms or large moist patches on your clothing.

COAT STYLES GUIDE

Double

COAT SPECTRUM

Medium

FRIENDLINESS

Reserved

Everyone Is My Best Friend

The level of a breed's hospitability towards strangers can vary considerably. While some breeds may naturally exhibit a reserved or cautious temperament around unfamiliar people regardless of the setting, others might display boundless enthusiasm at the prospect of meeting someone new. It's important to consider whether you prefer a vigilant breed that serves as a capable watchdog or a sociable pooch that eagerly greets every new person as a potential friend.

LIVELINESS

Only When You Want To Play

Non-Stop

The zest for play that a breed exhibits can persist well beyond their puppy years, with some breeds retaining a high level of enthusiasm for activities like tug-of-war and fetch throughout their adult lives. On the opposite end some breeds may prefer a more sedentary lifestyle content with relaxing on the couch for the majority of the time.

VIGILANCE INTENSITY

What's Mine Is Yours

Vigilant

Some breeds are more naturally inclined to alert their owners about the presence of strangers, responding enthusiastically to anything they perceive as a potential threat, which might include everyday occurrences such as the arrival of the mailman or a squirrel scampering past the window. These breeds often maintain a vigilant approach until they recognize that a newcomer is welcomed into the home by their family, at which point they typically become more amenable to the guest. This watchful nature is a trait that can be valued for those seeking a more protective companion.

ADAPTATION CAPACITY

Lives For Routine

Highly Adaptable

A breed's adaptability to change encompassing fluctuations in living conditions, noise levels, climate, daily routines and other variances in everyday life, can differ greatly.

OBEDIENCE LEVEL

Self-Willed

Eager to Please

The simplicity of training your canine companion and their eagerness to embrace new skills can vary widely. Certain breeds yearn to delight their guardians while some have a penchant for following their whims whenever and wherever they choose.

STAMINA LEVEL

Couch Potato

High Energy

The breed of your dog can greatly determine their exercise and mental engagement requirements. High-energy breeds are constantly on the move seeking out their next escapade—expect them to be incessantly active, enjoying their days with sprints, leaps and playful antics. Meanwhile, low-energy breeds are content being your lounging companions perfectly satisfied to relax and doze off for hours on end.

VOCALIZATION

Only To Alert

Very Vocal

Medium

LEARNING CURIOSITY LEVEL

Happy to Lounge

Needs a Job or Activity

A breed's need for mental engagement is pivotal to maintaining its happiness and health. Dogs bred for specific tasks thrive on challenges that test their judgment, problem-solving abilities and focus. Denying them the cerebral workout they crave may lead them to invent their own activities, which often aren't aligned with an owner's approval.

COLORS

Description	Registration Code
White	199

PATTERNS

Description	Registration Code
Black & Tan Markings	039
Black Markings	002

About The Breed

The Tornjak also recognized as the Bosnian and Herzegovinian-Croatian Shepherd dog, manifests a stable and approachable character, with noteworthy valor, obedience, intellect and distinguished self-respect. A steadfast protector, it cannot be compromised nor swayed by strangers. It harbors a deep devotion to its master, displaying serenity and affection for those in its immediate domestic circle.

WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN CARING FOR A TORNJAK

Holding the title of a dog owner is not just a luxury. It’s a critical responsibility. They require from us the basics - food and shelter at a minimum but they are worthy of so much more. Welcoming a dog into your life necessitates an understanding of the depth of commitment involved in caring for a pet.

Anticipating the Needs of Your Tornjak: Insights and Tips.

Taking a dog under your wing is no small favor; it's a true commitment. These devoted pets count on us for life's necessities such as food and a safe abode, however, they are entitled to a greater level of care.

Health

	Tornjak are generally known for their good health, although, as with any breed they can experience health challenges. Collaborating with a conscientious breeder can equip future Tornjak owners with vital insights into the breed's unique health considerations. Health Assessment Recommendations from the Breed's National Association:

Grooming

	A routine grooming session paired with an infrequent bath will ensure your Tornjak remains pristine and handsome. These grooming moments can also serve as a special time to strengthen the bond between you and your pet. Regular trimming of their robust, quickly-growing nails is crucial to prevent them from becoming overgrown or causing splits and cracks. In addition, regular ear checks are essential for preventing wax accumulation and potential infections, while consistent teeth brushing promotes oral health.

Exercise

	Tornjak can revel in exercise outdoors such as frolicking in a secure backyard or enjoying multiple daily walks. Inside, playful activities like hide-and-seek, ball-chasing, or trick training serve as excellent exercise. For more vigorous exertion, consider swimming, trail walking or playing fetch with balls or Frisbees. Apartment dwellers can utilize hallway strolls for light exercise during bad weather. Furthermore, engaging your dog in agility obedience, or rally training can be an exceptional form of physical and mental exercise.

Training

	The Tornjak is adept at picking up new skills swiftly and holds onto that knowledge for an extended period, readily engaging in the tasks they're taught, which facilitates straightforward training sessions.

Nutrition

	Tornjak maintains a healthy diet with high-quality commercial or veterinarian-approved home-prepared dog food, tailored to their particular age group. Since some breeds may have a tendency to become overweight, it's important to keep an eye on their food intake and manage their weight vigilantly. Use treats judiciously in training to avoid contributing to obesity. It's also good practice to familiarize yourself with human foods that are safe for canine consumption and those which are not. If you have any doubts regarding your Tornjak's weight or diet seeking your vet's advice is always a prudent move. Additionally, make certain they have access to clean, fresh water at all times.

Historiography

The almost extinct descendants of genetically homogeneous, native, archaic types of shepherd dogs have been the foundation stock for the recreation of the Tornjak breed. The dogs belonging to the original stock had been dispersed in the mountain areas of Bosnia and Herzegovina and Croatia and their surrounding valleys. The major historical dates are the years 1067 and 1374. Written documents from these periods mention the Bosnian Herzegovinian-Croatian breed for the first time. The research about their historical and more recent existence and then a systematic salvation from extinction started simultaneously in Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina around 1972 and continuous pureblood breeding began in 1978. Nowadays, the breed's population consists of numerous, purebred dogs selected during a series of generations dispersed throughout Bosnia and Herzegovina and Croatia.